VILLA boss Martin O’Neill admits he has some tricky selection issues facing him over the next 48 hours as he prepares his side for the trip to Sunderland.

Carlos Cuellar is fit again after missing three games with a hamstring injury, making a four-minute cameo appearance at the end of the derby win over Albion.

Zat Knight is also itching for a recall after losing his place at a time when O’Neill will be keeping a close eye on Martin Laursen’s progress in training after he was rushed back to face the Baggies following a three-game lay-off.

O’Neill said: “I have decisions to make. Martin Laursen came in and he felt pretty good.

“Carlos had a hamstring problem and I thought putting them in together would have been a bit risky.

“I think Nigel Reo-Coker has done very well and I don’t think that there was any need to be risking anything.

“I’m pretty pleased with everyone. I thought Zat Knight when he came in has done exceptionally well.

“When players come back to fitness I am left with decisions to make about the side.

“That is something that is just part of the game. I have been very pleased with all the people who have been on the field of play in recent weeks.’’

Laursen’s performance against Albion was a mixture of good and bad, which was to be expected after his knee injury picked up at West Ham.

O’Neill knows how influential a player the Dane is.

“I think Martin over the period of time has done exceptionally well and he is the captain of the side,’’ he said.

“But Zat scored the goal against Arsenal and did fine against Hull.

“Martin wanted to get back as quickly as possible – he is that type of person. He felt he was fit enough to play and every game is important.